Pages

Wednesday, August 23, 2017

Google Maps vs Apple Maps vs Waze – Which is the Best Navigation App?

Recently I started a new job that
requires a lot of driving to different locations so I have been
trying to find the best navigation app to use. So far I have tried
Google Maps, Apple Maps, and Waze. Here I will recap the positives
and negatives of each of these navigators to help determine which is
the best one to use.

Google Maps

If you have ever looked up directions on the computer, you have probably used Google maps, so it will be a natural transition
to use it for navigation. Google Maps is very detailed especially
when it comes down to building and structures. It has visual
representations of businesses and residences and has most of the
stores labeled so you can see exactly what they are.

Google Maps has the power of Google
search behind it so it is very good at looking up addresses. In terms
of options, I would say it is in the middle of Apple Maps which is
more simple and Waze which has a lot of customization and extra
features. The map is pretty easy to use but takes a little while to
learn what everything does.

Navigation tends to be pretty good for
the most part but I did notice some issues, for example in several
cases where you would want to make a left to turn into the
destination, it will tell you to go up to the next intersection and
make a U-turn. It could definitely use some improvement in this area.

Overall it is a solid choice for
navigation but could still use a little improvement in some areas.

Apple Maps

If you have an iPhone, Apple Maps comes
pre-installed and ready to go. I found it to have the most pleasing
look of the 3 options. Also it is the most simplified and easy to
use. The buttons are big and there are not a lot of distractions.
This can be good if you just want something easy, but for those
looking for more options and customization, you may like Google Maps
or Waze better.

Although the map is very easy to read,
it is not as detailed as Google Maps. For example it does not have
the structures of businesses and residences on the map. Navigation is
clear and I like that the audio navigation is loud so you can hear it
when you are driving without having to turn up the volume. I noticed
on Google Maps and Waze, even on the loud setting they can barely be
heard in the car.

For accuracy, I found it to be similar
to Google Maps in that sometimes it takes you a bit out of the way or
tells you to make a U-turn when there is no reason to do so. I did
have one issue where a destination was actually not in the right
place on the map so I was not able to find it when I got there. I had
to open Google Maps to find the correct location in this case.

Overall if you are looking for an
occasional navigation and something that is the most simple and easy
to use without all the bells and whistles, Apple Maps is the way to
go.

Waze

Waze takes a bit of a different
approach by making the experience more interactive and social. It
allows drivers to contribute a lot of information such as where there
are police, road hazards, or construction. Waze has a lot of
customization settings but because if this, it can seem a little busy
with too much going on.

One thing I didn't really like was it
has a lot of extra stuff on the map that you don't really need. For
example it has icons for restaurants and even advertisements for
products. I'm guessing they are getting money for those which helps
keep the app free, but personally I don't want ads on my map when I
am just trying to get from point A to point B.

One other thing I don't really like is
that you have to set the app to use your location “Always” even
when you are not using the app. There is a sleep mode you can put it
in, but again, you should not have to manually put it in sleep mode
when you are not using it.

As for navigation, I actually found it
to be a little more accurate than Google Maps and Apple Maps. It took
me to the right locations and did not tell me to go out of the way or
take unnecessary U-turns. On the other hand, I found it was a little
more difficult to get the app to find an address with a search as it
would pull up many results and you are not sure which one to pick.

Overall, it has a lot of potential and
is a good option if you like the user contribution aspect and are
looking for a navigation that is more engaging than just simple
directions.

Verdict

After trying out all 3, really there is
no clear winner. There are some things I like for each of them, but
at the same time, they each have their flaws as well. I like the look
and simplicity of Apple Maps. I like the detailed map and search
ability of Google Maps. I like the accuracy and user contribution of
Waze.

Which one am I going to use? Right now
I will probably use Google Maps because it is very detailed and is
pretty reliable at finding an address with a search. I do wish it was
a bit easier to use like Apple Maps. Also I wish the voice navigation
was louder by default without having to manually increase the volume
of the phone just to hear it while driving.

These seem to be the big 3 when it
comes to navigation apps, but I may continue to look for other
options in case there are any other navigation apps that are better.
Do you have a favorite navigation app of these 3 or another not
mentioned here? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments
below.